1984 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Brougham V8 - 307cin from North America

Summary:

A reliable bargain - comfortable sofa-car

Faults:

Rear shocks broke (started leaking) after driving 2,000 km on gravel roads - these were the original ones. No trouble changing those, got new ones for 50 bucks Canadian.

Rear muffler - that's normal wear right, lost it on the Alaska highway.

Sometimes the windshield wipers don't stop - kind of funny. No problem, at least they start ;)

General Comments:

I love it. It's comfortable, handles well, reliable and not too bad on gas.

I would drive it to the moon and back without a problem (check the oil on the moon, just in case).

It is also quite good on gas, I get around 21 MPG out of it in general use. This is a good number for a car this size.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th January, 2002

14th Aug 2002, 17:10

Your windshield wiper problem is from the "Park" switch. The switch can be purchased at most auto parts here in the US. The average cost was about $15.00 US. This was about 3 years ago if I remember correctly. However, a better investment is to purchase a new complete motor assembly. It is much easier to change. You do not have to open it up as if you were just replacing the park switch. This also includes the pump for the sprayer. The motor is newer, well lubricated, and will provide better wiper action. Not to mention less frustration. In the mean time, when the wipers do not turn off. You can turn the ignition off for a few seconds, turn the wipers off while the ignition is off. Then restart the car. This will interrupt the power to the switch, which will reset it. Kind of like when a digital clock is flashing from a power outage. Best of luck I have 247000 us miles on my 1984 and have done some work to the car. Water Pumps, a/c, normal wear and tear. Timing chain, new suspension. Otherwise it is such a wonderful car. Keep in mind I have driven this car very very hard over the years. I refuse to get rid of it. It is a family member to me. Best of luck with yours.

Russell

Rbalcerowicz@hotmail.com

21st Dec 2002, 20:26

I have a 1984 Delta 88 with 119,000 miles on it. My wipers also would not shut off. I found, after checking wiring, the problem was caused by dirt on the delay circuit board on the wiper motor. I cleaned it off with Radio Shack Electronic cleaner at 100,000 miles and the problem has not returned. I use my wipers often as I live in Washington State. This is worth trying before buying a new wiper motor.

17th Feb 2003, 15:02

Thanks for the ideas about solving the OFF setting problem with wipers. I just got an '84 Riviera with 70,000 miles that has the same problem. Now, any suggestions where to start with the cruise that won't engage?

Melford@ourtowusa.net.

1984 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale Brougham 5.0 Liter (307) from North America

Summary:

No matter how hard you drive this car, you can't kill it!

Faults:

At 202500 miles, I had to rebuild the transmission.

I have replaced the starter three times, and the alternator twice.

The drag pitman arm went bad at around 204000 miles, and hasn't been replaced yet, but it's in the works.

I replaced the motor mounts and the transmission mounts at 218000, as the engine still has the power to break them!!

General Comments:

Despite the numerous repairs I've made on this car, it definitely ranks up there right along with the best I've owned.

It still has near full power, and the only trouble I've had with it was all external, worn parts. I have never had trouble with the engine itself.

It's still quite comfortable, and I'm not afraid to drive it across the country again (done it twice already).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 2001

1984 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royal Brougham 5.0 V8 from North America

Summary:

I love it

Faults:

Just normal stuff: new battery, new brakes, oil changes every 3,000 miles, new hoses, new belts, and transmission fluid changed at 58,000. Other than that, no problems at all.

General Comments:

I got my baby from my grandparents who kept the thing garaged for the last six years. The car is mint with a shiny paint job and authentic vinyl top. She starts right up and purrs like a kitten. I was offered $3,000 for her once. It's really comfortable and glides like an airplane.

One problem is that it's long and hard to park, but it has a tight turning radius. And the only other problem is gas mileage: 12-17 per gallon.

I am expecting at least 150,000 miles out of this old boat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2001